Ukrainian crisis not to affect Finland-Russia relations - Finnish president

Helsinki traditionally maintained friendly relations with Moscow

Sauli Niinisto

THE HAGUE, March 24./ITAR-TASS/. Ukrainian crisis has not adversely affected bilateral relations between Finland and Russia, Finland’s President Sauli Niinisto said in The Hague on Monday.

Helsinki traditionally maintained friendly relations with Moscow, Niinisto said adding he intended to continue bilateral meetings with Russia if it was in Finland’s interests, though last week's EU summit recommended that EU members cancel such meetings.

Niinisto also pointed out the importance of continued negotiations to avert a deeper crisis in Ukraine.